Labour migration and freedom of movement in the European Union: Social exclusion and economic development

Abstract

There are many reasons why freedom of movement is desirable, but one of the most persuasive arguments in its favour lies in its potential to combat social exclusion by bringing supplies of labour into the places where a demand for labour exists. In fact, there is very little evidence that the dismantling of internal obstacles to migration within the European Union (EU) has created the sort of migration flows which would suggest that free movement is working in this way. It is also apparent that existing migration patterns within the EU are not of the type that would do much to ameliorate patterns of social exclusion, but even if they were there is a risk that—if not properly planned and managed—such movements might exacerbate problems of social exclusion. This paper concludes with a discussion of the confused and ambiguous relationships between migration, exclusion and economic development.